HWDSB Celebrates Volunteers as ‘Backbone’ of School Life

Textsize

A+ A-

HWDSB Celebrates Volunteers as ‘Backbone’ of School Life

By ROB FAULKNER

Director Manny Figueiredo congratulates Sandra Binns on 20 years of volunteering.

Toes were tapping to Uptown Funk thanks to the Sherwood Funk Band as volunteers arrived for the 10^th annual Profiling Excellence Volunteer Celebration at Michelangelo Events and Conference Centre on April 12.

The crowd grew quieter as Lincoln Alexander Elementary School students Ava and Page Kyere sang O Canada. The sisters kicked off a night of sincere thanks, appreciation and camaraderie as staff and the Parent Involvement Committee thanked the people who make HWDSB schools better.

“Tonight we are here to celebrate you, our Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board volunteers,” said Superintendent of Leadership and Learning Sharon Stephanian. “Your dedication and caring has a profound impact on the students, staff and community whose lives you touch each and every day.”

The night celebrated nearly 2,000 volunteers whose names were put forward by schools for recognition this year. The 135 attending volunteers represented 42 schools and had contributed two, five or 10+ years of service.

Speakers said thank you in many different ways – whether as a reflection by organizing committee co-chair Emily Bolyea-Kyere, a video message from PIC Chair Kevin Baglole drawing inspiration from an Aboriginal community ethos, to Director of Education Manny Figueiredo’s mention of research showing volunteers make a difference.

“Research tells us again and again that parent involvement improves student achievement. By being involved, you are showing our students that you also consider learning a priority,” Figueiredo said. “Our moral purpose is to improve the life outcomes for our students.”

Trustees Dawn Danko and Penny Deathe and PIC co-chair Margaret Reid also brought their heart-felt thanks.

“It is people like you who are the backbone of any society,” Trustee Danko said. “Just like roots are essential for trees to bloom, volunteers are essential for communities to bloom,” Trustee Deathe said.

Thank you to all HWDSB volunteers and congratulations to those recognized this year.